Will McDonald
- Thread starter Cycsk
- Start date
Yep. Just as I post, I see #99 standing behind the ref while he makes the call on a flag.
Jets have a loaded d-line. He's not needed currently if he isn't producing better than the veterans. Guessing they want to try and beef him up by keeping his reps lower, allowing him to work harder in the weight room.
Like to see him play more but to be fair the guys ahead of him are really, really good.
Isn't Will still primarily a pass rush specialist in the NFL? I know last year he was pretty good all around in college, but it's just a different level of competition now.
The couple Jets games I have watched and he was on the field he always looked 1/4 step slower off the snap than the rest of the d-line. Don't know if it is by design (play call or personal preference at the point of attach) or a rookie thing getting used to the speed and physicality of the game.
KidSilverhair
Well-Known Member
He played quite a few snaps in the opener against the Bills. He could never shed his blocker and had trouble pushing upfield off the line of scrimmage. He’s really raw and inexperienced against NFL talent right now.
Jets rotate lots of d-linemen. They are loaded at that position. Looks like there are about three groups. Will is typically with the third group. Playing time is not equal between the groups with the starters obviously getting the most time. I would say that Will's playing time is largely dependent on total snaps for the defense. It appears the goal is to keep the d-line pretty fresh. From the games I have watched, will plays on both running and passing downs. He just gets limited opportunities due to their depth.
As others have said, the Jets are loaded on that defensive front, which is why a lot of pundits and Jets fans were surprised when they drafted him in the 1st round.
He really is in a good situation. He is getting paid well, not as much expected from him due to the starters they have so he can play a little and develop. Plus less chance for injury with lighter time.
Totally agree, he can really perfect his craft from a lower pressure situation.
He‘a seeing about 12 defensive snaps/game so far. He was a “healthy scratch” Week 2, and has been playing a lot more special teams since then.